England avoid Australia and India in 2027 World Cup group-stage draw

England have avoided defending champions Australia and world number one-ranked India in the group-stage draw for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, securing a group that includes South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and a qualifier.

Holders Australia, who beat India in the 2023 final, are drawn with India and Pakistan in a separate group that also contains Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and a qualifier. England are the 2019 champions. Harry Brook's side have enjoyed a resurgence in the 50-over format.

England's scheduled group matches include Sri Lanka on 13 October in Windhoek, Namibia, South Africa in Gqeberha on 16 October, a qualifier in Harare on 20 October and New Zealand in Gqeberha on 23 October.

The visit to Zimbabwe is notable: England have not played there since 2004. Political unrest under the regime of former president Robert Mugabe caused problems for England's men's team throughout the 2000s, and England boycotted their fixture against Zimbabwe in Harare at the 2003 World Cup — a decision which ultimately derailed their campaign. BBC Sport reported in 2025 that the two cricket boards were discussing a potential England tour of the country in the next cycle of international cricket between 2027 and 2031.

After three matches to decide the final two qualifiers, the tournament group stage will open with a repeat of the 2023 final when India and Australia face each other in Cape Town on 7 October. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan, who do not play each other outside tournaments, will meet in Johannesburg on 10 October.

From each group the top three teams, plus the best fourth-placed finisher, will progress to the Super 7 stage. The top four from the Super 7 will qualify for semi-finals scheduled for 17 and 18 November, with the final on 21 November in Johannesburg.

Harry Brook's side begin their World Cup campaign against Bangladesh on 8 October.